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Butler Medal


The Butler Medal, officially known as the Army of the James Medal, was named for General Benjamin F. Butler, who commissioned a medal to honor African American troops in his command for gallantry during the Battle of Newmarket Heights on September 29, 1864. The medal is silver, inscribed on the obverse with “Ferro Ilis Libertas Perveniet” and on the reverse with “Distinguished Courage Campaign Before Richmond 1864.” This particular medal is blank, having no engraving along the rim identifying the recipient, his company, and regiment. It is one of two belonging to the Armed Forces History Collection.

The Butler Medal holds the distinction of being the only medal ever struck for black troops.


Division of the History of Technology, Armed Forces History
National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
Behring Center
Transfer from the National Archives and Records Administration

 

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